Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome

Page: 133

Aegeus, king of Athens, being twice married, and having no children,
was so desirous of an heir to his throne that he made a pilgrimage to
Delphi in order to consult the oracle. But the response being ambiguous,
he repaired to Troezen to consult his wise friend Pittheus, who reigned
over that city, by whose advice he contracted a secret marriage with his
friend's daughter Aethra.

After passing some time with his bride, Aegeus prepared to take his
departure for his own dominions; but before doing so he led Aethra to the
sea-shore, where, after depositing his sword and sandals under a huge
rock, he thus addressed her: "Should the gods bless our union with a son,
do not reveal to him the name and rank of his father until he is old
enough to possess the strength requisite for moving this stone. Then send
him to my palace at Athens bearing these tokens of his identity."

A son was born to Aethra, whom she called Theseus, and who was
carefully trained and educated by his grandfather Pittheus. When he had
developed into a strong and manly youth his mother conducted him to the
spot where the rock had been placed by Aegeus, and at her command he
rolled away the stone, and took possession of the sword and sandals which
had lain there for sixteen years, and which she now desired him to convey
to his father Aegeus, king of Athens.

His mother and grandfather were anxious that the youth should travel
by the safe sea route, the road between Troezen and Athens being at this
time infested [260]with robbers of great ferocity and
enormous strength. But feeling within himself the spirit of a hero,
Theseus resolved to emulate the deeds of Heracles, with whose fame all
Greece resounded, and therefore chose the more dangerous journey by land,
as calculated to afford him an opportunity of distinguishing himself by
feats of valour.

His first adventure occurred at Epidaurus, where he met Periphetes, a
son of Hephæstus, who was armed with an iron club, with which he killed
all travellers. Having received from his grandfather a full description
of this savage, Theseus at once recognized him, and rushing upon him with
his sword, succeeded after a desperate encounter in killing him. He
appropriated the club as a trophy of his victory, and proceeded on his
journey without hinderance until he arrived at the Isthmus of
Corinth.

Here the people warned him to beware of Sinnis the robber, who forced
all travellers to bend with him one of the branches of a tall pine-tree.
Having dragged it to the ground, the cruel Sinnis suddenly released his
hold, whereupon the bough rebounding high up into the air, the
unfortunate victim was dashed to the ground and killed. When Theseus
beheld Sinnis advancing towards him he steadily awaited his approach;
then seizing his powerful club, he killed the inhuman wretch with one
blow.